Feed industry professionals explored AI applications in efficiency, productivity and cybersecurity at the American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) Equipment Manufacturers Conference in Puerto Rico. The conference was held from 4 to 6 November under the theme ‘Operational Intelligence: AI’s Role in Efficiency, Growth and Security.’
The AFIA conference AI programme opened with a Washington update on AI policy under the current administration, delivered by Leah Wilkinson, AFIA’s vice president of public policy and education. Industry experts then covered practical applications of AI in business productivity, operational efficiency, sales growth and cybersecurity.
The programme concluded with a panel discussion on AI and the future of the feed industry, in which speakers addressed both the opportunities and challenges of adoption and took questions from attendees.
“Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how businesses operate, and the feed industry has tremendous opportunities to put these tools to work,” said Gary Huddleston, AFIA’s senior director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs. “This year’s conference gave attendees a chance to move beyond the buzz surrounding AI and explore practical ways to improve efficiency, strengthen security and support long-term business growth.”
The Equipment Manufacturers Conference is hosted by AFIA‘s Equipment Manufacturers Committee. The association has announced that the 2027 conference will take place from 3 to 5 November in Tucson, Arizona, USA.
